CHEVROLET AVALANCHE · model year

2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

43 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012CHEVROLETAVALANCHE carries 43 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 AVALANCHE is unknown or other with 17 filings, followed by air bags (6) and power train (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2012 AVALANCHE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

43
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

43 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
AIR BAGS6
POWER TRAIN3
ENGINE3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
STEERING2
WHEELS2
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
SERVICE BRAKES1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
SUSPENSION1

Recalls (3)

14V82700030/12/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, m

21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,

21V05100005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, Californi

Recent Complaints

20240505SUSPENSION

Rear control arms were rusted out and fell off the frame. Additionally with that happening the rear drive shaft was pulled out from transmission and could cause a vehicle to flip. Upon further investigation body frame was extremely rusted for a truck this age. 85450 mes on it.

20240505UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear control arms were rusted out and fell off the frame. Additionally with that happening the rear drive shaft was pulled out from transmission and could cause a vehicle to flip. Upon further investigation body frame was extremely rusted for a truck this age. 85450 mes on it.

20220911VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)

20220911ENGINE

The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)

20220911FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)

20220329UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is a problem with GM vehicles developing cracked dashboards including my own. The cracks are happening around/above the instrument cluster and more importantly, around the airbag. I am concerned that the defected dashboard would cause some sort of airbag puncture if it were deployed causing serious injury. Should someone get killed or seriously injured before this matter is taken into consideration. I own a 2012 Chevy Avalanche. I have developed the same cracks just as so many other GM vehicle owners.

20210818AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was updated and now displayed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The failure recurred. The vehicle then was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that a senior adviser would reach out him for further assistance however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000

Mileage: 171,000

20200826ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TRAILER BRAKE WARNING IS SHOWING ON DASH. NOTED THERE IS A RECALL BULLETIN #14515B ISSUED RELATING TO THIS ISSUE AND NOT SURE WHY MY SERIAL NUMBER IS NOT FOUND IN THIS RECALL?

20200630UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SEVERELY CRACKED DASHBOARD. THIS HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND MOVING. PURCHASED THIS TRUCK JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. HAD CRACKED DASHBOARD. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID IT HAD BEEN THAT WAY FOR YEARS. FIGURED IT WOULD NOT COST MUCH TO FIX/REPLACE. TOOK IT TO BODY SHOP THIS MORNING. NO WAY THEIR PRICE IS WITHIN MY BUDGET. CRACK CAUSES CONSTANT RATTLING AND IS EXTREMELY ANNOYING. FRIENDS HAVE LOOKED AT THE TRUCK SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND ARE REALLY IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE ADVANTAGES IT HAS TO OFFER. HOWEVER THE LOOK ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY SEE THE DASHBOARD MAKES ME WISH I HAD NEVER PURCHASED THIS TRUCK. I WOULD LOVE TO SAY I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO OTHERS WHO ARE PURCHASING A USED VEHICLE BUT THAT WOULD BE A LIE. SOMETIMES IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE A PERSONS WHOLE OUTLOOK AND THIS IS A BIGGIE. YOU DROPPED THE ON THIS. NOT ONLY IS IT A COSMETIC DEFECT BUT I CAN SEE A LOT OF SAFETY ISSUES ALSO. WISH I HAD NEVER PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE.

Mileage: 50,000

20200311EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ONE OF MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BURNED OUT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO INSPECT THE LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY ONLY COME ON IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK. I CALLED DEALER TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO HAVE THEM COME ON WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR. THE DEALER SAID TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE, PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, AND GET OUT TO LOOK AT THE LIGHTS (OR HAVE A SECOND PERSON LOOK AT THEM, WHICH IS NOT PRACTICAL FOR ME). THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. THERE SHOULD BE A BETTER WAY TO DO THIS. MY OLD 2007 AVALANCHE WOULD HAVE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ON WHEN IN PARK.

Mileage: 80,000

20200305ENGINE

MY 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 5.3L ENGINE HAS STARTED A OIL CONSUMPTION LOSS. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED OCT. 30TH 2013 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM! WHAT I'VE READ IS THAT WHERE THE CYLINDERS DEACTIVATE TO HELP FUEL ECONOMY AFTER TIME THOSE PISTONS GET DAMAGED FROM NOT HAVING FUEL OR FIRE ON THEM AND ITDAMAGES PISTONS AND CAUSES OIL CONSUMPTION. IN THE PAST FEW DAYS I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE 5 PEOPLE I KNOW WITH THE SAME ISSUE. LOOKING ON LINE THERE APPEARS TO BE CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON THIS ISSUE. GM/CHEVROLET KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS AND I'M SURE NEVER WILL BE BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINES REACH HIGHER MILEAGE. I HAVE ALL MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS ON MY TRUCK AND HAD NO INTENTION OF TRADING IT, BUT NOW THE MOTOR WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACE.

20200211UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MULTILPLE CRACKS IN DASHBOARD, KEPT IN GARAGE

Mileage: 39,000

20191125UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MULTIPLE CRACKS IN DASH (INSTRUMENT PANEL). HAD ONE CRACK WHEN PURCHASED THE AVALANCHE USED. 2ND CRACK APPEARED ONE MONTH AGO. FIRST ONE IS THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE AIRBAG. 2ND ONE IS OVER THE GAUGE CLUSTER.

Mileage: 55,000

20190706POWER TRAIN

REAR END STARTED MAKING A CLUNK NOISE DURING THE TIME ONE STEPS ON GAS TO MOVE THE TRUCK. ALSO REAR END NOW MAKES A HOLLING NOISE WHEN MOVING.

Mileage: 72,000

20190408AIR BAGS

SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. WAS TOLD WE NEED A NEW AIRBAG AND CONNECTOR. AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED.

Mileage: 95,000

20190404UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES

Mileage: 100,000

20181120UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY DASHBOARD HAS BEEN GETTING CRACKS IN IT FOR YEARS AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL EFFECT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IF I EVER HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS. ALSO I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BREAKING AND COMING OFF. AS OF THIS MOMENT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND IT.

Mileage: 46,327

20180925UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASH HAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES NEAR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT HOUSING. CHECKING ONLINE FORUMS IDENTIFIES THAT THIS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CHEVROLET DASHES. THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION AS THESE PIECES COULD BECOME PROJECTILES. CHEVROLET SHOULD STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE!!

Mileage: 18,000

20180115AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL ; CRACKED DASH

20180115UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TAKATA RECALL ; CRACKED DASH

Compare 2012CHEVROLETAVALANCHE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE have?
The 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has 43 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE?
The 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE?
Yes, the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE?
The most-complained component for the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.